It's time to pull up invasive species and make room for native plants

New England's wildlife, from the Eastern bluebird to the monarch butterfly, depend on "weeds" for their survival.

Anne Mazar

New England's wildlife, from the Eastern bluebird to the monarch butterfly, depend on "weeds" for their survival.

By "weeds," I mean the beautiful, yet neglected native plants that have been weeded out of our yards and replaced by non-native exotic plants.

Through evolution, an intricate relationship has developed between native plants and indigenous animals. The native plants provide the required food for local wildlife. On the other hand, alien plants do not provide the essential diet for their existence. Sadly, we hear fewer songbirds and see fewer wild animals. However, by providing an array of striking native flowers, shrubs and trees we can help restore the natural landscape and provide the essential food for the survival of wildlife.

The No. 1 cause of species extinction is habitat destruction. We do not have to travel to the rainforests to see this. We need look no farther than our own backyards. Lawns, most foundation plantings and gardens are filled with exotic ornamentals that do not provide food for native wildlife.

We can reverse habitat destruction in our corner of the world by bringing back colorful and fascinating native plants into our yards. The bonus is seeing more hummingbirds, butterflies, interesting caterpillars, pollinating insects and songbirds.

True weeds are the invasive non-native plants that have attacked natural landscapes and have insidiously crept into our yards. Some of the worst offenders include: Japanese knotweed, Oriental bittersweet and multifora rose. Invasive species are the second leading cause of species extinction, according to conservation biologists. To identify invasive species and find out how to remove them, visit www.nps.gov/plants/alien/fact.htm.

A great way to get started this fall is to pull out the invasive non-natives, especially on the edges of your yard, to make way for the native plants to grow. Identify plants before weeding. Hidden under the invasive plants you might discover native plants such as blueberry, viburnum or dogwood shrub, Virginia creeper vine with scarlet fall foliage, fragrant milkweed, exotic-looking sumac, Eastern red cedar or delicate woodland wildflowers. To identify native plants start by visiting www.abnativeplants.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/plants.main/index.htm.

This winter, when thinking about plants to add to your yard, consider some easy-to-grow natives, which will bloom year after year and provide needed food for wildlife. Spring flowering Phlox divaricata provides a blanket of lavender for shady areas. Native honeysuckle Lonicera sempervirens is a hearty summer blooming vine with coral flowers that naturally attracts hummingbirds. Pink New England aster (Aster novae-angliae) provides an explosion of fall color. Winterberry shrub Ilex verticillata provides bright red berries that are brilliant against the winter snow and provide food for the birds in the early spring.

It is important to ask your nursery for the Latin name, not the common name, otherwise you may end up with an exotic. An excellent source for native plants, seeds, books, information and classes is the Garden in the Woods in Framingham. Visit www.newfs.org or call 508-877-7630.

Anne Mazar is an environmental advocate and a member of the Mendon Land Use Committee.

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